6 Signs Wellbutrin® is Working

Mental health struggles are common, with over eight percent of adults in the United States living with some form of clinical depression. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), your healthcare provider may prescribe the medication Wellbutrin® to reduce the severity of your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

​​Wellbutrin is effective at treating depression symptoms for many people, but like other antidepressants, it’s not an instant fix. It may take up to six weeks to feel its full effect.

Below, we’ve explained what exactly Wellbutrin is and listed six signs Wellbutrin is working for you. We’ve also shared some signs that could indicate Wellbutrin isn’t working for you and the steps you can take if it isn’t the right treatment for your needs. 

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that contains the active ingredient bupropion. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved it as a treatment for depression in 1985. 

It’s classified as a norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).

While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) focus on increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain by preventing its reabsorption, Wellbutrin increases the levels of other neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) called norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain and body. These chemicals affect your moods, thoughts, and mental health.

That active ingredient, bupropion, is also the generic option for a Wellbutrin prescription.  

In addition to its use in treating depression, bupropion is used off-label (meaning, for a purpose other than what it’s FDA-approved for) as a smoking cessation treatment. It may also be prescribed to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs in the fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter.

Three different types of Wellbutrin are available. They all have the same active ingredient (bupropion) but aren’t interchangeable:

• Wellbutrin: This version is FDA-approved to treat MDD and seasonal affective disorder. It’s usually taken three times daily and is the quickest-released of the three. 

• Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release): This version is FDA-approved for treating MDD. It’s usually taken twice per day, at least eight hours apart. 

• Wellbutrin XL (extended-release): This version is FDA-approved to treat MDD and SAD and is taken once a day in the morning. 

Your healthcare provider will determine the best Wellbutrin form and dosage for you.

For more information on how Wellbutrin and other antidepressants work, check out our guide to depression medications.

As great as it would be to find instant relief for depression, It’s common for antidepressants to require several weeks to start working. Wellbutrin is no exception. 

Most of the time, Wellbutrin's therapeutic effects become noticeable in the second week. However, it can take up to four to six weeks to feel its full benefits. 

If you’re prescribed Wellbutrin, continue taking it as instructed, even if you don’t immediately feel better during the first weeks of treatment. Over time, you may start to notice improvements.

Because of how it impacts neurotransmitter levels, Wellbutrin can help lift your mood and make symptoms of depression less severe, ultimately improving your quality of life. 

After starting Wellbutrin, you should gradually notice changes in how you think, feel, and behave. Many of these changes are similar to those that can occur with other antidepressant medications.

Look for the below signs to help determine if Wellbutrin is improving your mental health and reducing the severity of your depression symptoms.

1. You Fall Asleep Easier

Depression can affect your sleep patterns, making it more difficult to fall asleep at night and maintain normal sleeping habits. It can also cause fatigue, which can further disrupt sleep habits. 

When you start an antidepressant, it’s normal to experience improvements in sleep issues like insomnia or early awakening before other symptoms of depression are impacted. 

If you notice yourself falling asleep easier than before, it may indicate that Wellbutrin is starting to work for you.

2. Your Moods and Feelings Start to Improve

Depression commonly affects mood and may make you feel sad, anxious, or empty. It can also influence your thinking, leaving you feeling helpless or stuck. These feelings can make it difficult to get through the day. 

Fortunately, lightened moods, feelings, and thoughts are another common sign that Wellbutrin is working for you.

3. You Feel More Interested in Your Hobbies and Activities

One of the most common symptoms of depression is a reduced level of interest in your normal hobbies, passions, and activities. For example, maybe you’ve loved painting for years but have found yourself no longer wanting to do it. 

When you’re depressed, things that normally bring you joy and satisfaction may no longer feel pleasurable. This can lead to isolation and more severe depression.

As Wellbutrin starts to work, you may become more interested in your usual hobbies and activities. This may even cause you to spend more time with friends and family or participate in social activities, which can help lift your mood further.

4. You’re Able to Focus and Remember Things Better

Depression can affect the functioning of your brain in a way that worsens memory and makes it difficult to focus. 

When you experience brain fog or trouble concentrating, it can affect everything from your education or work performance to your relationships with others.  

If you notice it’s becoming easier to pay attention or recall information after using Wellbutrin for several weeks, this could be a sign that it’s working. 

5. Making Decisions No Longer Feels Impossible

Indecision is a common obstacle among people living with depression. Even making small decisions can be a real challenge. 

For this reason, many experts recommend delaying important life decisions, such as changing jobs or ending a relationship, until you’re no longer depressed (or are undergoing effective treatment for depression and noticing improvements). 

If you find it easier to make decisions after starting Wellbutrin, this may be a good sign that the medication is working.

6. You Have Fewer Physical Depression Symptoms

Depression may be a mental illness, but it can also have a real impact on your physical health.

Many people with depression experience physical symptoms like slower movement and speech, joint and muscle pain, aches, and even digestive-related issues like changes in bathroom habits. 

Pay attention to how your body feels after you start taking depression medication like Wellbutrin. If you had physical symptoms beforehand, you may notice them improving. 

Like other medications for depression, Wellbutrin can potentially cause side effects, which may vary from person to person. 

Most of Wellbutrin's adverse effects are mild and temporary, but a small percentage of people who use it experience more severe or longer-lasting side effects. Luckily, if the side effects make you too uncomfortable, you can stop the medication and they’ll all go away pretty quickly. None of the side effects persist after stopping the medication. As with any new medication, it’s important to know the potential risks of Wellbutrin. 

Common side effects of Wellbutrin include:

• Agitation

• Dry mouth

• Insomnia

• Headaches or migraines

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Constipation

• Tremor

• Dizziness

• Excessive sweating

• Blurred vision

• Auditory disturbances

• Tachycardia (fast heart rate)

• Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

• Confusion

• Rash

• Hostility

In addition to side effects, Wellbutrin can interact with , clopidogrel (a drug that prevents blood clots), and medications that help prevent seizures among individuals with seizure disorders like epilepsy. 

To reduce your risk of drug interactions, inform your healthcare provider about any medications you currently use or have recently used before starting Wellbutrin treatment. 

Unlike other antidepressants, there’s little evidence that stopping Wellbutrin abruptly causes withdrawal or discontinuation symptoms. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to come off of a medication gradually, if possible, especially if you’ve been taking it for a long time.  

If you develop side effects from taking Wellbutrin, it’s important not to change your dosage or stop using it without first talking to your healthcare provider. Get in touch if you have any concerns so they can provide individualized guidance for weaning. 

Wellbutrin is generally an effective medication with mild side effects, but it’s not always the right antidepressant for everyone. 

The following signs suggest Wellbutrin may not be working for you.

• You don’t notice any changes in your mood, even after months of consistency. Wellbutrin can take several weeks to start working, but it should eventually produce improvements in your moods, feelings, and mental well-being. If there’s no change within several months, you may need to adjust your dosage or switch to a different antidepressant, per the guidance of your healthcare provider.

• You have severe or persistent side effects. Wellbutrin can cause side effects but they shouldn’t be severe or persistent. If you experience side effects that don’t go away or worsen over time, it may be a sign that Wellbutrin isn’t right for you.

• Your depressive symptoms become more serious. Some people start to notice more severe depression symptoms, even after starting Wellbutrin or another antidepressant. If you feel more depressed after starting Wellbutrin, make sure to inform your healthcare provider right away.

• You develop suicidal ideation and/or behavior. Wellbutrin and other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicide in young adults. If you start to feel suicidal after using Wellbutrin, it’s important to seek professional medical care as soon as possible. You can get help for suicidal thoughts by contacting 911, calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255 or 988), or using the services in our list of crisis and mental health hotlines.

Just like everyone’s mental health struggles are unique, so are the treatment options. It’s very common for people to need to try different psychiatric medications for anxiety and depression before finding one that works best for them. 

If you don’t notice improvements from Wellbutrin after several weeks or if you’re prone to severe or persistent side effects, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider. 

If Wellbutrin isn’t working, your healthcare provider may recommend changing the way you take your medication. This could mean adjusting your dosage or taking Wellbutrin earlier or later in the day.

In some cases, they may suggest switching to a different type of medication for depression.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and tell them if you still don’t feel better after changing the way you use Wellbutrin or switching to a new antidepressant. Your mental health matters, and what you’re feeling right now doesn’t have to be your norm forever.

Wellbutrin Alternatives

There are plenty of alternatives that may be a better fit if Wellbutrin isn’t a great match for you. 

Hers also offers an array of anxiety and depression medications, including:

• Escitalopram (generic for Lexapro®)

• Sertraline (generic for Zoloft®)

• Fluoxetine (generic for Prozac®)

• Citalopram (generic for Celexa®)

• Venlafaxine (generic for Effexor®)

• Duloxetine (generic for Cymbalta®)

We’re confident we can help you find the right one for your needs. Get connected with a Hers licensed mental healthcare provider by taking our free online assessment.

Typically, Wellbutrin starts working within two weeks, but it can take longer to experience significant improvements in mood, sleep, focus, physical health, and overall quality of life. When considering Wellbutrin, remember:

• Wellbutrin isn’t for everyone. Side effects are possible, and in some cases, they may make your depression worse. If you’ve been taking Wellbutrin for several weeks and you don’t notice any positive changes, speak with your provider. 

• There are other options. It’s normal to try more than one antidepressant to find the best fit for you. If Wellbutrin doesn’t work for you, tell your healthcare provider. They may change your dosage or suggest using a different type of medication. 

• Seek help when you need it. Beyond your prescription, it’s crucial to get the mental health support you need when struggling with depression, especially if it’s interfering with your everyday quality of life. 

Hers offers mental health services. Our psychiatry providers can determine if a prescription is appropriate for your needs. 

Your mental health is important, and we’re here to help you with it.